The Eastern Front War had Konoha and Hidden Mist locked in a bitter stalemate.
The Uchiha Clan and Hyuga Clan, the two great ocular jutsu families, had spent the past four years primarily stationed on the eastern front, brawling with Hidden Mist forces that came across the sea.
"Iroha, long time no see. I haven't heard anything about you since graduation."
Genitsu studied the Root ninja kneeling on one knee before him.
"After graduation, Lord Danzo took notice of me. I joined Root and have been carrying out missions under Root's identity ever since."
Iroha slowly removed his mask, revealing an expressionless face.
The steady, proud youth he had once been had been completely worn down, every sharp edge ground away until he had become a tool devoid of emotion.
"I see. No wonder... I still remember that wonderful match between you and Kazue during the graduation exams." Genitsu could not help shaking his head. "Then please guide me from now on. Your eyes will be useful to me."
Hyuga Iroha agreed without expression.
The mission he had received was to protect Shiranui Genitsu at any cost.
A former member of a great clan now had to risk his life for the former dead last in practical classes.
When Genitsu walked out of Root's base,
eleven Root ninjas were already following behind him. They could all be called deathsworn; if Genitsu wished, he could issue them any command, even order them to die.
"Counting me, this squad has twelve people. We still need to add a few more..."
The next morning, all the squad members assembled, and three more people joined them.
There was no need to say much about the dependable Uchiha Kazue and Might Guy, as well as...
"Mr. Duy, are you training too while we're out on